Stay. Rebuild. Succeed.
A vision for Marion County—and for all of West Virginia.
Stay.
Since 2012, more than 80,000 West Virginians have packed their cars and left—chasing opportunities that feel out of reach at home. We're the only state that lost population in both 2023 and 2024.
Too many of our neighbors feel like they have no choice but to leave.
But staying shouldn't mean settling for less.
If we want people to stay, we have to make staying a real choice. That means investing in rural development, expanding high-speed internet, fixing our roads, and lifting up the small towns that have stood strong since the decline of coal and manufacturing.
It means creating a vibrant economy—one that supports local businesses, sparks innovation, and embraces new industries offering good-paying, high-quality jobs.
We believe a better tomorrow, starts right here at home.
When we bring better jobs and higher wages to Marion County, families can build their future right here—close to home, surrounded by the people and places they love. This is about more than economics. It's about keeping families together, preserving our communities, and ensuring the next generation sees West Virginia not as a place to leave behind, but as a place to build a life.
Rebuild.
It's time to rebuild our communities—with integrity, fairness, and a long view.
Years of underinvestment have eroded trust, opportunity, and infrastructure in our region. In West Virginia, nearly 1 in 5 bridges are structurally deficient. Nearly a third of major roads are in poor or mediocre condition. In our rural areas, the numbers are worse—20% of rural bridges are rated poor, and traffic fatalities on rural roads are nearly twice as high as elsewhere.
Our crumbling roads are more than an inconvenience—they're a public safety crisis and a barrier to economic growth. It's time to modernize our infrastructure: repairing roads and bridges, expanding broadband and cell service, and investing in the essential systems that support everyday life—from public education and childcare to clean water and affordable energy.
That commitment to essential systems must include healthcare. We believe everyone has a right to be healthy—which means access to affordable, quality medical care, clean air and water, and enough food to thrive. West Virginia faces severe healthcare deserts, especially in rural communities, where it’s often easier to find a gas station than a clinic. We support policies that remove barriers between patients and physicians, protect medical decision-making, and strengthen programs that prevent hunger and promote wellness.
Rebuilding our workforce means expanding vocational and collegiate opportunities, promoting union apprenticeships, and restoring fair labor practices. When education and training align with modern industry needs, every West Virginian has the foundation to find stability and pride in their work.
Succeed.
One in five West Virginians live in poverty.
Success should not require leaving home or working three jobs just to stay afloat.
When we invest in strong infrastructure and vibrant communities, we create the foundation for every West Virginian to succeed. Modern roads and bridges connect our businesses to markets. High-speed internet opens doors to remote work and entrepreneurship. Quality schools and workforce training prepare our people for good-paying careers.
But strong communities are built on more than concrete and cables—they’re built on people and the families they form. We believe in family, no matter what that family looks like—whether it’s parents and children, siblings and cousins, or chosen families who support each other with just as much love
and loyalty.
That’s why we support programs that make childcare more accessible and affordable. We stand by our public education system, where children learn, grow, and form lifelong friendships as strong as any family bond. And for those who have lost family connections, we believe in well-run, compassionate support services—including a fully funded foster care system that gives every child the stability and care they deserve.
Success means economic growth that reaches every corner of our state—from bustling main streets in our small towns to thriving industrial corridors. It means local businesses that can compete and grow, attracting new companies and industries that see West Virginia as a place of opportunity, not obstacles.
When we build the infrastructure our communities need—both physical and social—we build pathways to prosperity.
Every West Virginian deserves the chance to succeed right here at home—not despite where they live, but because of it.